Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya plan massive electricity exchange project

Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya are studying a plan to collaborate on a groundbreaking electricity exchange project to address peak energy demands, especially during summer months, the Libya Observer reported on January 13.

The project aims to reduce strain on power networks and opens the door for enhancing regional energy collaboration. It would include an interconnection line to facilitate the exchange of up to 1,500MW of electricity between the three countries.

Tunisia’s minister of industry, mines, and energy and Algeria's national electricity company director general signed agreements to enhance technical cooperation and strengthen socio-economic ties.

In June 2024, the three countries successfully conducted a synchronous electricity interconnection trial of their power transmission networks for 24 hours. The trial enabled the exchange of 400–500 megawatts of electricity in real time.

Many power grids in the North African region are old and poorly maintained, leading to frequent outages. The weak interconnection between national grids hampers electricity sharing between Algeria, Tunisia and Libya resulting in critical power shortage situations.

During the first trilateral summit held in Tunisia in April 2024, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Tunisian President Kais Saied, and Libyan Presidential Council Head Mohamed Al-Menfi agreed to accelerate the implementation of the electricity interconnection project between the three countries.